Battle of the Alamo begins and falls

Background. In 1835, Mexico adopted a unitary constitutional framework, replacing the federalist 1824 Constitution. This political shift contributed to the Texas Revolution, as the Texas Department rebelled in late 1835. By January 1836, the Texian garrison at the Alamo was undermanned and underprovisioned, with fewer than 100 soldiers remaining. Meanwhile, Santa Anna gathered forces at San Luis Potosí, reaching 6,019 soldiers by the end of 1835.

Siege. On February 23, 1836, approximately 1,500 Mexicans marched into San Antonio de Béxar, initiating the siege. The Alamo garrison, initially around 100 men, was supplemented by reinforcements led by James Bowie and William B. Travis. On February 24, Travis wrote the famous "Victory or Death" letter pleading for reinforcements. The defenders remained isolated as the Mexican army tightened its control around the mission.

Assault. On March 6, 1836, Santa Anna ordered a predawn assault on the Alamo. The attack resulted in the deaths of the Texian defenders. Santa Anna's execution of surrendering soldiers during the battle inspired many Texians and Tejanos to join the Texian Army. The ashes of the defenders remained where they fell until February 1837, when Juan Seguín examined the remains.